32 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX.
Family VESPERTILIONIDAE, Dobson.
Group I. PLECOTI, Dobson.
Genus Synotus, Keys and Blas.
Synotus barbastellus, Keys and Blas. Barbastelle.
Now that I have learned to recognise it, I do not consider
the Barbastelle so rare as it is usually believed to be. Still, I
cannot call it a common bat. Doubleday says (Zoologist, 1843,
p. 6) it is not uncommon in Epping Forest. I have found
it, early in April, flitting slowly, and in an apparently
purposeless manner, near the ground, under the protection of
a plantation. This peculiar style of flight is one means by
which it may be distinguished. It is very solitary in its
habits, and haunts trees principally. I have always seen it
away from the town ; but, although it may have been noticed
flitting under the cover of a hedge or plantation one night, it
does not follow that it will be there if looked for on the
following evening.
The ears of the next species are remarkable for their size :
those of this species for the manner in which they are united
across the forehead of the animal, a most unmistakable
character, occurring in no other European bat. Its fur is also
darker than that of any of our native bats, a circumstance
which makes it appear larger than it really is. This sombre
hue, and the peculiarity of the ears, will enable it to be readily
recognised.
Genus PLECOTUS, Geoffroy.
Plecotus auritus, Geoffroy. Long-eared Bat.
This bat is very common in the Colchester district, and
usually has its haunts in buildings, although it has been
brought to me from hollow trees. I consider it equally
common throughout all parts of the county. Doubleday